Modified Project Summary/Abstract Section The mission of the Developmental Core (Dev Core) of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) CFAR is to develop early-stage investigators (ESI) in HIV research and support mid- and senior career investigators who are new to HIV (NHI). Over the past 35 years of the CFAR, we have successfully carried out this mission in alignment with the changing landscape of HIV research. Early in CFAR history, the Dev Core focused on supporting ESI/NHI developing a career in basic science at a time when little was understood about HIV pathogenesis. With the discovery of successful antiretroviral therapies, we have been expanding our support of ESI/NHI to include ESI/NHI whose research focused on treatment optimization. Most recently our core has adapted again in response to new NIH priority research areas by supporting investigators who conduct implementation science and community engaged research. Thus, at the moment, we fully support all investigators across the breadth of research from bench to bedside to community. Our success during the past 10 years is exemplified by our investment of $555K in pilot awards for 23 ESI, with 11 of them having obtained extramural funding totaling $9.5M, yielding a 17-fold increase in returns. In the next funding cycle, we will thrive while carrying out our mission through 3 specific aims: 1) We will provide supported research funding opportunities through pilot awards to a representative cadre of ESI and NHI conducting research spanning the bench to bedside to community, and position investigators to successfully apply for extramural funding and formulate their independent research portfolios. 2) We will provide individualized mentorship to ESI and NHI to optimize their acquisition of research skills, professional development, and foster their transition to independent HIV scientists. 3) We will support professional development and networking activities, leveraging the CFAR Cores and SWGs and the larger UAB research and training community, to support ESI and NHI to build collaborative teams and innovate with a wide ranging assembly of investigators, community partners, and research networks. Overall, the Dev Core has been extremely successful in supporting HIV-focused ESI and fostering a nurturing research environment since its inception, especially in the current funding cycle. Combined with continued successful recruitment of established investigators and ESI, the Dev Core is poised to continue its legacy of providing foundational support to HIV researchers as they launch their careers and establish themselves as independent HIV researchers.